Regular attendance by students is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program.  Parents and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence.  Students will attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.

As part of the school district’s records, the daily attendance of each student is electronically recorded on the district’s student information system and maintained on file with the permanent records of the board secretary.  It is the responsibility of the principals to ensure that the student information system is accurate and such reports are filed with the board secretary, the custodian of school records.

(April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

Student absences approved by the principal are excused absences.  Excused absences will count as days in attendance for purposes of the truancy law.  These absences include, but are not limited to illness, medical or legal appointments, attendance at a funeral, family emergencies, recognized religious observances, appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day and school-sponsored or approved activities.

Students whose absences are approved will make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work.  It is the responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student’s teacher to complete the work missed.

Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school full day the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.

It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the student’s attendance center as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day.  The principal may request evidence or written verification of the student’s reason for absence.

(April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

Truancy is the failure to attend school for the minimum number of days established in the school calendar by the board.  Truancy is the act of being absent without a reasonable excuse.  These absences will include, but not be limited to, tardiness, shopping, hunting, concerts, preparation or participation in parties and other celebrations and employment.  Truancy will not be tolerated by the board.

Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion.  It is within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy.  Students receiving special education services will only be assigned appropriate consequences so that the goals and objectives of the student’s Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.

(April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)

Students will be allowed to leave the school district facilities during school hours only with prior authorization from their parents, unless the parent appears personally at the student’s attendance center to arrange for the release of the student during school hours, or with the permission of the principal.

Approved reasons for release of a student during the school day will include, but not be limited to illness, family emergencies, medical appointments, religious instruction, classes outside the student’s attendance center, employment for which the student has been issued a work permit and other reasons determined appropriate by the principal.

Open campus will be permissible for students at the high school who meet eligibility criteria.

(April 18, 2011; January 19, 2015; August 19, 2019)